Crossword Genius

Does he come before the 1st of March? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

omar

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'does he come before' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.

'1st of march?' is the wordplay.
'1st of' becomes 'o' (1st letter of 'of').
'march?' becomes 'Mar' (abbreviation).
'o'+'mar'='OMAR'

'the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for omar that I've seen before include "- - Sharif (films)" , "- Khayyam, Persian poet, astronomer and mathematician" , "and 16 Down: Persian poet" , "- Sharif, film actor" , "Old caliph" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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